(Mobile Journalist) Precise, concise, authoritative, witty, factual, and out of the box entertainment and lifestyle reportage.

Monday, 12 May 2014

Choirs battle at Choirfest

Last week witnessed the kick off of the first ever challenge
for choirs across the country. according to organisers the programme is to give
an opportunity to choirs and gospel groups to display their musical skills and
also compete on a very high level. The contest will be multi-denominational and
will accept entries from different church denominations.

(more after the cut)

According to the Olumide Emmanuel, the Chief coordinator of
the competition, the decision to birth such an event was out of necessity. “The
choir is dying, yet it is the choir that gave birth to all these solo artistes
you see today, whether gospel or secular . There was a time where the choir in
churches are very vibrant but today, many churches to not have active choirs
anymore. We need to bring back the good old days, how do we do that?, well if
we have competitions like Choirfest, the choir will be more enticing to the
young musicians,” he said.

There are also enticing prices for the winner of the
competition and the runner-ups. The winning choir will be going home with N1m, and
a recording deal. The runner-ups get N.5m and N.3m including a record deal. They
will be signed on to Lifeline records which is also owned by Olumide Emmanuel.
Emmanuel also promises that contestants will not just be competing but also be
gaining knowledge. Finalists will be groomed by professionals in the industry.

While speaking with Afojeare Ikhialose-Igbauma popularly
known as DJ Gosporella, he explains that the show is aimed at recognising the
great talents in the church. “It is common knowledge that the church choir
plays a vital role in every local assembly. Churches across denominations parade
spectacular and gifted choir groups. In the competition, we will stand one out.
Gospel Explosion is out to expose,
celebrate and reward the best choirs. It is a motivational platform to
encourage choir members to aspire for excellence. Right now, we have a few
supporters. We urge sponsors to take part,” Gosporella said.